Professional Experience
Dr. Maraldo holds senior clinical and academic positions and leads radiotherapy groups within her institution. Her responsibilities include patient care, clinical trial leadership and mentoring of medical trainees and researchers.
- Current position: Clinical oncologist, Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen)
- Academic appointment: Clinical Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen, Department of Clinical Medicine
- Leadership roles: Site-group lead for radiotherapy in breast cancer and paediatric cancer; national and local principal investigator on multiple clinical trials
- Mentorship: Supervisor of junior doctors, residents and PhD candidates involved in oncology and radiotherapy research
- Clinical practice: Directs and oversees advanced radiotherapy treatment plans rather than surgical procedures
Academic Contributions
Dr. Maraldo is actively involved in education, guideline work and research consortia. She regularly teaches, lectures and contributes to clinical trial design and guideline development in radiotherapy and survivorship.
- Teaching: Delivers lectures and practical training in radiotherapy and survivorship at the University of Copenhagen
- Mentorship: Supervises medical students, residents and PhD candidates
- Research interests: Radiotherapy techniques, late effects of cancer treatment, cardio-oncology and survivorship care
- Committee work and speaking: Contributor to national and international guideline groups, conference speaker and course organizer
- Clinical trials: Principal investigator and co-investigator on multiple national and international trials
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Maraldo’s clinical and research expertise covers several areas where precision radiotherapy and survivorship planning are essential. Descriptions are provided in patient-friendly language where helpful.
- Breast cancer radiotherapy: Designs treatment plans that aim to cure cancer while reducing exposure to the heart and lungs. (Example for patients: techniques to lower the risk of future heart problems after left-sided breast radiotherapy.)
- Paediatric oncology radiotherapy: Tailors radiation to children to minimise long-term effects on growth and organ function. (Example for parents: strategies that reduce risk of learning, growth or cardiac issues years after treatment.)
- Survivorship and late effects: Focus on identifying and managing long-term complications such as cardiotoxicity and secondary organ risks.
- Advanced radiotherapy techniques: Use of deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH), inverse planning and comparative evaluations of proton vs photon therapy to reduce toxicity.
- Research translation: Implementation of evidence from trials into clinical protocols to improve safety and quality of life.
Publications and Research
Dr. Maraldo has an extensive peer-reviewed publication record that supports her clinical practice and leadership in radiotherapy research. Below are selected works and short summaries highlighting their clinical relevance.
- Inverse radiotherapy planning based on bio-effect modelling for locally advanced left-sided breast cancer: Radiother Oncol., 2019.Summary: Presents advanced planning methods that reduce heart dose in left-sided breast cancer, with implications for lowering long-term cardiac risk.
- Radiation-Induced Toxicity Risks in Photon Versus Proton Therapy for Synchronous Bilateral Breast Cancer: Int J Part Ther., 2021.Summary: Compares potential toxicity differences between photon and proton therapy modalities for complex bilateral breast cancer cases.
- Cardiometabolic Risk, Part 1: Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy – Old Foes Still Threatening Cancer Survivors?: Front Horm Res., 2021.Summary: Reviews how cancer therapies contribute to long-term cardiometabolic risk and outlines strategies for surveillance and prevention in survivors.
- Research output and profiles: Author of multiple additional peer-reviewed articles and collaborative papers addressing radiotherapy planning, toxicity reduction and survivorship. Her publications support clinical decision-making and improvements to patient care.
Patient Care Philosophy
Dr. Maraldo emphasizes patient-centred care that balances effective cancer treatment with preservation of long-term health. She integrates clear communication, shared decision-making and evidence-based practice into everyday care.
- Communication: Prioritises clear explanations about treatment goals, benefits and possible late effects.
- Empathy: Acknowledges patient and family concerns, particularly in paediatric settings.
- Patient education: Encourages informed choices and provides information about long-term follow-up and surveillance.
- International patients: Works within an internationally oriented centre; international referrals are typically managed through the hospital’s patient services.
- Evidence-based approach: Applies the latest research and clinical trials to personalise treatment plans.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Maraldo participates in professional societies and guideline groups that shape radiotherapy practice and national cancer care standards. These affiliations support her continuous engagement with evolving clinical evidence.
- European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO): Contributor to guideline development for breast cancer radiotherapy
- Danish Breast Cancer Group: Active member and contributor to radiotherapy committee work
- Danish Society of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology: Board participation and collaboration on paediatric care standards
- Danish Medicines Council (breast cancer panels): Scientific committee contributions
- Medical licensure: Licensed physician practicing in Denmark
FAQs
- Is Dr. Maja V. Maraldo, MD, PhD board-certified?
- Yes. She is a licensed clinical oncologist practicing at a university hospital in Denmark and holds an academic appointment as Clinical Associate Professor.
- What types of treatments does she provide?
- Dr. Maraldo specialises in radiotherapy for breast cancer and paediatric cancers, employing advanced planning methods to minimise exposure to critical organs and reduce long-term risks.
- Does she treat international patients?
- Rigshospitalet receives international referrals. Prospective international patients should contact the hospital’s international patient services or the Department of Oncology to confirm referral procedures and availability.
- How long is the typical hospital stay for radiotherapy patients?
- Most radiotherapy treatments are delivered on an outpatient basis with daily or fractionated sessions; inpatient stays are uncommon and depend on the underlying diagnosis and concurrent therapies.
- What languages does Dr. Maraldo speak?
- She is proficient in Danish and English, as reflected by her clinical work and international publications. For additional languages, direct inquiry with the clinic is advised.
- What late effects does she help manage?
- She focuses on surveillance and management of late effects such as cardiotoxicity, cardiometabolic risk and organ-specific complications following radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- How can I schedule a consultation with Dr. Maraldo?
- Patients or referring physicians should contact the Department of Oncology at Rigshospitalet to request an appointment, provide relevant medical records and follow the hospital’s referral process.
